Viscose is a synthetic natural fibre that is produced from the raw material wood. More than 100 years ago, this fine fibre was developed as a substitute for delicate and expensive silk. Back then, viscose was commonly known as "artificial silk" or "rayon". A particularly environmentally-friendly form of viscose is offered by the Austrian company Lenzing™ under the trade name of EcoVero™.
A cycle that protects the environment
Like conventional viscose, EcoVero™ is also made from wood cellulose. The big difference, however, is that the wood for Lenzing™ EcoVero™ comes exclusively from certified and responsibly managed forests. FSC® and PEFC™ certifications guarantee that the raw material is sustainably grown. For fibre production, the cellulose must first be dissolved from the wood with chemicals. The pure cellulose is pressed into fibres with water, carbon disulfide and caustic soda in a wet spinning process through fine nozzles. With Lenzing™, the chemicals used are not added to the waste water, but are recycled in a closed cycle or made available to other industries. The resulting sodium sulfate is processed in the detergent and food industries, for example.
Compared to conventional processes, the production process of Lenzing™ EcoVero™ is optimised to ensure that up to 50% less water and energy are consumed. This innovative approach earned EcoVero™ an EU Ecolabel award. This label guarantees a high environmental standard: from raw material extraction to production, distribution, and disposal. EcoVero™ is also completely biodegradable.
The many benefits of viscose
The high-quality and sustainable EcoVero™ fiber from Lenzing™ is clearly identifiable in the finished textile and the manufacturing process can be traced back to the raw material extraction. The properties of the fabric are, however, the same as those of conventional viscose: it feels pleasantly soft and supple, and is also highly breathable. Viscose can also absorb a lot of moisture and quickly release it to the outside. This makes viscose optimal for sports clothing. Another advantage of viscose is the fact that it does not fluff or rub off. Viscose is a very smooth and even fabric, which makes it suitable for people with sensitive skin. The material has a slightly cooling effect on the skin, and is therefore often used for blouses, shirts, and dresses. Many fabrics, such as jersey or satin, are blended with viscose fibres to improve their characteristics. Cotton also benefits when blended with viscose.
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